Arabic version: تجمع المعزين الإيرانيين بعد اغتيال القائد الأعلى

Thousands of mourners have gathered in the centre of Iran’s capital after the killing of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. The gathering occurred as the United States and Israel continued a massive military offensive against Iran, which began with Khamenei’s killing. Many attendees dressed mostly in black, waved Iranian flags, and held photographs of the late leader, expressing their grief openly.

Khamenei, who had led Iran since 1989, was confirmed dead by Iranian state television early on Sunday. This announcement came shortly after US President Donald Trump labeled him as “one of the most evil people in history” and confirmed the strike that led to Khamenei’s death. The attack marks a significant escalation in the long-standing tensions between Iran and these two nations.

In response to the assassination, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) vowed to deliver “severe, decisive” punishment to those responsible for Khamenei’s death. They announced plans to initiate what they described as the “most ferocious” operation in history against US and Israeli military bases in the region. The IRGC’s threats have heightened fears of further military escalation in the Gulf.

As the situation unfolds, reports indicate that explosions have been heard in Doha, Dubai, and Manama, while warning sirens were activated in central Israel. The Israeli military confirmed it was responding to missile fire from Iran, showcasing the immediate repercussions of Khamenei’s assassination. According to Al Jazeera, the tensions have reached a critical point, with both sides preparing for potential further conflict.